Wednesday, 18 May 2011

As the masses are shepherded into their pre-designed package tour some are looking for a new adventure, a new experience.

The adventure can be local or further afield, UK based or global. This is the unique provision of Adventure by Design, designing treks around the world (specialising in the UK and Morocco) travelling by 4×4 or trekking on foot tailored to your requirements and aims turning them into memories; visiting places and offering the experience the package tour will not reach.

From the busy streets of Marrakech to the amazing mountain views, the gorges and desert dunes, Morocco offers so many different experiences.
To enrich your visit to Morocco we are able to provide truly bespoke treks to discover the culture and country by either 4×4 or hiking, maybe even a combination of both.

Fully insured 4x4 Vehicles
Although we do provide an English speaking leader with each trek there is a strong ethos of a sustainable and ethical provision respecting the environments and cultures we operate in.

Adventures take many forms from day visits to overnight expedition’s dependant on your aims.

We use vehicles based in country all fully insured and checked by our drivers. Each adventure has a qualified expedition first aid trained representative. For environmental reasons we limit 4×4 treks to four vehicles, minimum numbers dependant on location. Hiking can be from one to groups of eight.

To find out more or to discuss your requirements please contact us info@adventurebydesign.co.uk or take a look at our web site www.adventurebydesign.co.uk

Obituary
Abdellah, the stable owner; passed away yesterday having reached a grand old age, mid-to-late 80’s, he remained active with his daily visit to the stable to ensure that his legacy was in good running order with Hassan, his son. Hassan keeps the stable in a fine condition and the horses are beautifully looked after. Abdou, Riad Laksiba’s Guardian, spends each afternoon helping in the stable and also prepares tagine meals for the Grooms when they return in the evenings.

Rather than mourn Abdellah’s death; I find myself celebrating his life and his warm neighbourly hospitality. Abdellah showed an active interest in the restoration of Riad Laksiba; he was genuinely courteous and kind toward my family and Laksiba's guests. Abdellah is a sad loss; he provided a truly rich embellishment to the street life of Derb Kadi.

All of Riad Laksiba’s neighbours have unique characters offering a diverse mix of personalities; which bring great enjoyment to my frequent returns to Derb Kadi. I feel welcomed and accepted as a neighbour; honoured and rewarded to be allowed to share in the day-to-day interaction of this tight community.

To Abdellah: Our thoughts are with you; May you Rest in Peace 11-05-2011

I have noticed that when I suggest that I am off to the Old Slave Market to see Batoul and the ladies; Abdou and Abdelhamid shudder, back off and argue over who’s turn is to go. The victim, usually Abdou, finally agrees; on the condition that he can sit and chat to Nordie & Zac, the Witch-Doctors, who’s Apothecary is also located in the Old Slave Market, whilst I undertake negotiations and will only assist post sale should I need assistance to carry merchandise back to Riad Laksiba.

Photo: Batoul et al by Simon Hawkesley & Abdelhamid Boussadi

It would be fair to say that negotiations can last a little while longer than anticipated; even if one has anticipated quite some time. On saying that…. I love it and feel privileged to be able to immerse myself into a centuries old culture and loose myself in the gaggle of comment, innuendo and conversation.

I don’t quite know where the politics start and finish, with the ladies chatting to a white, male, non-national, married, infidel but it seems to work; although creating the occasional stare of curiosity from other locals who ostensively end up joining the banter.

Batoul and her colleagues sell everything from single shoes, to beautiful hand woven tapestries, to new pillow covers made of Cactus Silk, to teapots and trays. All the stuff that makes a house a home. Mainly second-hand or; to my daughter Hannah’s generation “Vintage”.

The hours are not necessarily spent sifting through the bulk to find that must-have bargain…. more… sipping mint tea whilst Batoul and her clutch thrust garments in your direction, anticipating and scrutinising your reaction, whilst they sharpen their aim with what they consider “more appropiate choices”. The negotiation starts when a glimmer of interest is sensed; then, apparently, you are staring at the finest article in the arsenal.

Photo: Hannah & Kaitlin donning Tribal Tattoo's by Simon Hawkesley

For respite; Batoul makes a great “Mint Tea” and is a dab-hand at creating Tribal Henna Tattoo’s, much to Hannah & Kaitlin’s delight. Tattoo & Tea over and the negotiations commence.

Finally.... a Fabric deal is struck and Abdou will wander over with Nordie to ensure that I have not paid too much for the hospitality !

Riad Laksiba on TV ! House Hunters International 21 Sept 2010 to a Global Network of 97 MILLION

Welcome to Riad Laksiba

Just inside the Medina Walls of the Imperial Kasbah. You'll discover a quiet haven, exclusively yours, to relax & absorb the mystique that is Marrakech.

Maid, pool, B&B, From £30 per/person/night incl. Breakfast.

Riad Laksiba is an enchanting destination for a holiday.

Why stay in a hotel when you can enjoy your own special accommodation with family and friends.

You will have a devoted Chauffer service at your disposal, who you pay direct for your trips and excursions a Guardian, Abdu, who sleeps over, and a maid, Touria, to organise your Moroccan breakfast, make your beds and tidy up behind you when you leap out of the " splash-pool " and go off exploring.

Marrackech is a special place to stay and can feel even more special dependant on your choice of venue.

Booking via the owners direct is easy. Staying in a Riad can also prove to be cheap accommodation in comparison to hotels in Marrakech. You are not locked into a holiday package.

....but still stay safe in the knowledge that someone is going to meet you at the airport, take you to the riad, an English speaking "meet and greet" will introduce you to your maid and be on hand should you require further assistance or advice.

The Kasbah is a quality Old Medina location offering easy access to anywhere around Marrakech.

Many of the hotels are in isolation which can be tiersome when you want to explore and expensive if you become reliant on hotel transport.

Riad Laksiba is within a minutes walk to the ancient ramparts walls through the quiet Bab Ksiba entrance.

Opposite Bab Ksiba you will find secure parking for your car. Bab Ksiba is also a perfect destination to flag down a local taxi. Likewise the perfect "compass bearing" for instructing a taxi driver as to where you want to be dropped off.

Having a Ryad for sole occupancy gives you choice and freedom of movement around Marrakesh.

No fixed breakfast times, no doors locked by a certain time at night.

You could choose to be selfcatering but we recommend you elect discover the fabulous local cafes and world class restaurants, who can accommodate all tastes and budgets.